Thanks to the generous support of the Cooma Ex-Services Club through the ClubGRANTS program, CMR were able purchase a new UNIMIG multi-process welder.
The welder will become an important part of our toolkit and will assist our team of volunteers with a variety of projects, including restoration work on our heritage rolling stock, repair and maintenance work on our rolling stock as well as other projects around the railway precinct as we look to expand the visitor experience.
It also provides an opportunity for our youth volunteers to further develop their skills. As we work to expand our miniature railway, our cadets have been working with Pete from Transport Heritage Australia to construct new all-steel track panels. This has provided the boys with exposure to the fundamentals of metal working as the process requires them to measure, cut, prepare and weld the steel sections to a high level of accuracy.
Under guidance, the cadets have now started to learn how to operate the welder and will continue to practice and develop their skills over the coming months.
As they develop, the cadets will be able to utilise these skills to complete future restoration projects and ensure that the future of heritage railway preservation is strong. It is also providing them with real-life skills that could help them with future training and employment.
We look forward to making good use of the welder in a number of projects over the coming months. Thank you again to Cooma Ex-Services Club for their ongoing support.
